UK and France Urge Breakthrough on Migrant Returns in Urgent Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are holding critical negotiations this week aimed at finalising a landmark deal to curb illegal small boat crossings across the English Channel. Macron, currently on a three-day state visit to the UK, affirmed both nations’ commitment to stopping the crossings, emphasising a shared responsibility to address irregular migration.

The high-stakes talks are expected to focus on two key proposals: a “one in, one out” migrant returns agreement, which would see the UK return Channel migrants to France in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with family ties in Britain, and expanded powers for French police to intercept boats in shallow waters. Sir Keir’s government views the “one in, one out” scheme as a crucial deterrent, hoping it will signal that perilous journeys could lead directly back to France.

Speaking in the UK Parliament, President Macron stressed the need for intensified joint efforts but cautioned that a “lasting and effective solution” would require broader European support. He condemned criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals and underscored the importance of humane and fair approaches to migration.

The urgency of the summit is underscored by recent figures, which show that 2025 has already set a new record for small boat arrivals. Between January and June this year, nearly 20,000 people arrived in the UK via the English Channel, marking a 48% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The Labour government, in power since July last year, has introduced new measures to combat people-smuggling, including a new criminal offence for endangering lives at sea.

While optimism for a deal is present, Downing Street is also engaged in separate discussions with the European Commission to overcome potential opposition from Mediterranean countries regarding the returns agreement. The UK has previously committed over £700 million to France since 2018 to bolster coastal patrols and surveillance, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to cross-border cooperation on this complex issue.

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